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    Mare Island Brewing - Ferry Taproom

    4.1 (621 reviews)
    Open • 11:30 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    Mare Island Brewing - Ferry Taproom Photos

    Business Info

    MARE ISLAND BREWING - FERRY TAPROOM ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Reviews With Photos

    Vallejo Fire Station
    Gene B.

    Beers at historic Mare Island! Ranks at the top of as one of my all-time favorite places for tap. It's quiet. Unmatched scenery. The buildings. The Napa River. Plenty to see and explore. Relaxing cool breeze. Red ales full of flavor! My simple and ideal get away on a lazy Sunday.

    MIBC Burger with garlic fries
    Aura M.

    Great menu! I don't even drink but I will come here just for the food! It's a beautiful spot right on the water. Lots of seating indoors and outdoors. Staff is friendly. I will definitely be coming back

    Ceasars
    Yash T.

    TLDR : Good food, great beer slow service but overall a good experience Tried the Mare Island brewing while awaiting our ferry. We loved the collection of beers but the salads were amazing! Tried all the 3 salads and each one was refreshing.

    Wings with Spicy Korean sauce on the side
    Robert R.

    We went to a celebration at the Ferry building location recently for suds and grub. It was mostly casual and low key. I had Mare Island a few tomes mainly the Hydraulic sandwich amongst others. The Beer tender Stephan was super friendly and helpful. Yo can order your beer at Bar and also place food order and pick up food at the window when its ready. We ordered a few suds and got appetizers lkke Wings, Fried pickles and a Pulled Pork sandwich. We also ordered a popcorn Shrimp basket. Beers were good and service staff were friendly . Definitely casual and a great way to enjoy a lazy afternoon with friends. Something relaxing about watching the Ferry depart the dock with a cold one in your hand.

    Bacon jam burger and a grilled ham and Brie.
    Kristi M.

    Lovely day, nice outdoor seating area with a view of the shipyards. My husband loved his bacon jam burger. I had the grilled ham and Brie. I would get this without the generous swipes of mayonnaise next time and instead get another swipe of the pepper jelly. I don't like their fries (just don't like this particular kind) but they were hot, crispy and lightly salted, served with a side of ketchup.

    Poutine
    Terry T.

    One of the Ethel Circle groups I belong to meets here for lunch. The setup is ideal for a group lunch. You order and pay at the bar, so there is no worry about spliting the check. The room has a water view; I enjoy watching the ferry dock. However, even on warm days, the room is cold. Most of the food is pretty good. I been going here for several months and have tried almost everything on the menu: my favorites are the Chicken Sandwich and the Truffle Mac and Cheese. The Ruben was off the menu the last time I had lunch, it was replaced by a delicious Crab and Artichoke Melt. A real plus is that we can order off the kids menu. There is a beer menu. 3.6 rounded to 4

    Chad P.

    5 June 2025 1:39 pm 3.5 stars We stopped in today as I have been wanting to try their Poutine. We ordered our meal and than sat and waited with the given pager. Wife asks if I like the style of pumped in music that is playing over speakers. "Yes as background music." I answer, "But not that loud." The Poutine is based on a Canadian dish and is a $15 piping hot cast iron plate of French fries, gravy, cheese, fresh onions and optional bacon. Pretty good eatin.. The gravy and cheese were nicely interspersed throughout the fries. We passed on the optional sunny side up egg topper. Yes that Poutine is pretty darn tasty and filling enough to bring along one or two friends to share with. I do wish businesses would stop with the mandatory tip screen or give you a "skip" option. If you don't want to tip or want to tip with cash, you've got to take a coding class to figure out how to leave a credit card tip of $0.00. The inside of the taproom is very enjoyable with happy laughing and chatting customers. The bartender was friendly and the woman who handed me our meal has a 1000 watt smile. On a not so happy note, getting to and around the vacinity of the taproom reminds one why Vallejo often gets a bad rep.. This taproom does not have its own restroom. If you want to "rest" you will use the public restroom in the same building that the taproom shares with other businesses. This restroom routinely has no soap, tissue paper, or paper towels (it does have those ineffective air blowers- get ready to dry your hands on your pants.), is peppered with grafitti and often has plugged (vandalized) or soiled beyond usability toilets. This unpleasant situation has been in place for years and it was unpleasant today. I wonder if the businesses that share this public restroom could pass out toiletries to customers individually. Or possibly put up a sign to let customers know how to alert whoever is on latrine duty that day. While the restroom situation is being looked into, perhaps someone could look into getting the overflowing trash receptacle outside the building entrance emptied on a more regular basis. So sad to see trash spilling out and blowing onto the sidewalk the into the bay. Another eyesore. The paint graffiti and stickers that are on public signage at the outdoor taproom seating area and around the parking lots makes the property outside of the taproom look trashy and regretably reflects poorly on the city and her businesses.

    Jes M.

    This the perfect spot to grab a beer or two while waiting for the ferry to arrive. They also serve food so I'll try some next time. I took some tall cans to go too. This is great taproom to check out.

    Shipwrights Porter and Angles &Dangles Blonde Ale
    Alvin C.

    Excellent food and service. Nice place to hang out with family and friends. You order from the bar but sometimes the bar is full so it's kind of awkward to figure where to squeeze in. It would be better if they have a section of the bar where you can order and it's not blocked. Food is good. The MIBC is cooked medium and it's juicy.

    Christine S.

    If your headed over to the city and want to grab a quality lunch this is a great spot they have sandwiches, salads and appetizers. The servide is great and they have a full bar. I had the chicken Caesar salad and it was fantastic with fresh grated Parma cheese.

    Keke F.

    The ambience is a cool vibe. We sat outside and enjoyed the nice weather. The breeze was great as well as the service. The gentleman allowed us to taste the wine to see if that was a choice that we wanted and the food was awesome as well. We got some fried pickles. I also enjoy their chicken, wings and fries

    Fish and chips

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    4 months ago

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    15 days ago

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    6 days ago

    The food was fantastic shit by the water was so relaxing if you wanna relax by the water, this is a place to be

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    9 months ago

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    5 months ago

    Peasant. Beers. Nice view of the ferry. People were very nice. Had the birria tacos.

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    10 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Sam you were great. Thanks for having me. Quick service and kind people. I left happy, thanks again

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    8 months ago

    Beer is ok but food is good and service is friendly. Can't beat the scenery. Solid place. Recommend.

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    7 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    8 months ago

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    8 months ago

    Great local beer in a water setting. Very enjoyable. Great view. What else is there to say? Go.

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    2 years ago

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    9 months ago

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    7 months ago

    I love coming here for a beer or a glass of wine. The food is delicious and the view is amazing.

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    3 years ago

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    Page 1 of 16

    Mare Island Brewing - Ferry Taproom Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Mare Island Brewing - Ferry Taproom

    GF is gluten intolerant, do you have seltzers or GF beers?

    Thank you for reaching out! Unfortunately we do not have any seltzers or GF beer however we do offer a delicious cider and plenty of wine options to choose from.

    Hello! Are there highchairs for kids?

    Yes

    Do I need to make reservations?

    Hi Miggy, No reservations required. Thanks for asking!

    Is this place dog friendly?

    Hi Jessica, Yes, the patio at our Ferry Taproom is dog-friendly. Leashes required. Thanks!

    Hello Are tours offered to the public?

    You're thinking of the Coal Shed Brewery on Mare Island, the taproom is NOT on the island, rather at the Vallejo Ferry Terminal and is open to the public daily. There is nothing to tour at this location as it is a bar and kitchen for food.… 

    View All 10 Questions

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    Mare Island Brewing Co - Coal Shed Brewery - Beniciarita (Margarita) and Old Stable (Bourbon Peach Tea) alongside the Mediterranean Salad. We have other vegan, vegetarian options too!

    Mare Island Brewing Co - Coal Shed Brewery

    4.0(187 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    •$$

    I've been talking about Mare Island with my friends for a good week now because our recent…read moreexperience here was so incredibly fun! I love how the East Bay/Bay holds so many large and somewhat isolated islands/communities (Mare Island, Treasure Island, Alameda Island..). Each region holds so much history and also, really cool businesses like Mare Island Brewing Co. There was a super cool weekend community event here recently organized by the local Vallejo fire department with art/food/music and more, and it was such a cool vibe. There's so much space out there for the kiddos to ride their bikes/scooters safely, and so many cool activities like learning all about the maritime culture out there, singing shantey songs aboard the C.A. Thayer, fresh brews and yummy food, and if going on a specific weekend, maybe a cool event to pop into. We were surprised by how many people were out there at the brewery ~ it was such a beautiful day with great weather and great service/atmosphere. Seems like the Mare Island Brewing staff have nailed doing events here, and all the components for a fun time out, since it's a drive for anyone coming from different directions. All in all, such a great time out. Would love to come back and try a beer flight (beer is made on-site and is so fresh and crisp), house-made cocktail, or even the burger which looked delish. There is a parking lot adjacent to building.

    Came here fully planning to sit down and have some drinks... that was the whole point of coming…read moreout. I ordered a 64oz growler of their stout -- beer itself wasn't terrible, just a little on the light/watery side, but drinkable. Here's where it went sideways... AFTER I already paid and had it in hand, I'm told I'm not even allowed to drink the growler there. No heads up. No warning. Nothing. If that had been made clear upfront, I never would've ordered it in the first place. Pretty frustrating to find out after the fact. The view is honestly great -- probably the best part of the whole experience -- but it didn't make up for the lack of communication. Ended up walking down the pier and just drinking it out of the jug because at that point, what else was I supposed to do?

    Photos
    Mare Island Brewing Co - Coal Shed Brewery - New cocktails to enjoy while viewing our scenic waterfront, historical ships, and big open space. + Vegetarian Mediterranean Salad

    New cocktails to enjoy while viewing our scenic waterfront, historical ships, and big open space. + Vegetarian Mediterranean Salad

    Mare Island Brewing Co - Coal Shed Brewery - Pulled pork

    Pulled pork

    Mare Island Brewing Co - Coal Shed Brewery - Mediterranean Salad!

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    Mediterranean Salad!

    Vallejo Brewing Company - Strawrange Dream Sour

    Vallejo Brewing Company

    4.5(42 reviews)
    0.4 mi

    Met up with close friends to celebrate a birthday at this establishment on a Saturday around…read more4:30PM. Coincidentally, it was during the World Cup quarterfinals overlapping with the UFC fight. The place was very spacious and clean. Being my first time here, I had nothing but good vibes hanging out over here. Workers were very friendly, food was great, and their beverage selection was on point! I love the fact the bartender pointed out to me that what I "asked for" was an upcoming stout (not yet available) but they had comparable ones to offer which did not disappoint! Overall, just a nice place to hang out and chill. Will be back!

    Vallejo Brewing Company felt like an epic example of missing the point…read more After a glorious day of beers up in Santa Rosa, my friend & I added 1 last impromptu beer stop since we would be driving past Vallejo. We're beer nerds who homebrewed for years & are always interested in checking out breweries we haven't been before. Pulling up on a quiet Sunday evening, plenty of immediate street parking was available. Walking in, it's a great looking space. All the brick & wood makes a warm, welcoming vibe. Signage & art looks like it was done professionally by a graphic designer. & service was courteous & helpful. That's all well & good & all. But the beer... 1st off, we were informed there's no taster pours/ flights or any smaller pours, at all. Full pints. Period. Alright, fine. We sampled a good number of splashes to try to decide what to get. From my perspective of a beer nerd who homebrewed for years, & has done sensory, all the beers tried were off. My friend agreed. We eventually settled on a pils as being the least objectionable. So, while this place looks great, the beers were not. The raison d'être of a brewery is to make proper beers. To not fulfill that, 1st & foremost, is missing the point.

    Photos
    Vallejo Brewing Company - Brewing tanks and seating area.

    Brewing tanks and seating area.

    Vallejo Brewing Company - Patrons painting their pets at a Paint Your Pet party

    Patrons painting their pets at a Paint Your Pet party

    Vallejo Brewing Company - Outside

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    Outside

    Del Cielo Brewing Company - Inside

    Del Cielo Brewing Company

    4.1(282 reviews)
    8.9 mi
    •$$

    What a fun place to go. Big cavernous space filled with mostly young people…read more The menu leans toward South American type foods. We ordered a rice bowl with chicken: tasty and a very big portion. Fried plantains: the highlight of the dinner. Empanadas: a little too doughy but ok. Beer was good, with a wide selection. Diverse crowd was great to be with.

    Super great brewery! So much fun, great food and great prices. They have a wide variety of events,…read moredrinks, and foods, and they will cater their menu to certain holidays and events that take place! It can get really packed and crowded, so if you are trying to have a good time, I would encourage that get their early and maybe bring your own lawn chair if you plan to sit outside. They may run out of seats! It's that popular. The yucca fries were delicious! Well-seasoned and cooked to perfection! The ceviche, I felt it was a little on the smaller side for the portion, in terms of pricing, but it was so tasty! The flavors blended extremely well together and there wasn't too much of one spice or seasoning. Their dole whip slushie is amazing! It literally tastes like there is no alchol, so be careful when you are drinking this! They sneak up on you!! Overall, this is a great brewery! lots of space and natural lighting, the staff is amazing, and their food/drinks and events are some of the best in the east bay!

    Photos
    Del Cielo Brewing Company - Delicious drinks

    Delicious drinks

    Del Cielo Brewing Company - Merchandise

    Merchandise

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    Michelada flight

    First Street Taphouse -  Mare Island Brewing Co - Philly cheesesteak & pulled pork sandwich and card artichoke dip

    First Street Taphouse - Mare Island Brewing Co

    4.4(139 reviews)
    6.7 mi
    •$$

    We had such a great experience at Mare Island Brewing! The historic building has so much character…read moreand such a fun, relaxed atmosphere. The big booths were perfect for bringing our toddlers along and made it so easy for everyone to settle in and enjoy themselves. The beer was terrific, the food was delicious, and the service was wonderful from start to finish. They also have a fun children's menu. It's not always easy finding a place where the adults can enjoy great beer and food while still feeling comfortable bringing little ones, and this checked all the boxes for us. We'll definitely be back!

    Decided to go to Benicia for some salmon fishing over the Labor Day weekend. Everyone else had the…read moresame idea it seems because the fishing was overcrowded. So our party of 4 decided to call that a day and went to check out downtown Benicia, First St is lovely, full of small pubs, restaurants and shops. This taphouse looked interesting and there were a few people seated outside so we decided to check it out. It was a hot day and the server told us that the inside had AC so we decided to sit inside but there are several tables outside in the front of the taphouse and a separate area to the side of the restaurant with plenty of seating. There is a large bar to the left which leads into the kitchen area. There are several booths to the right and tables for seating in the middle of the space as well as bar seating. It was about 4:30 in the afternoon and the place was not full but there a few tables were occupied. The bar itself is very old, I was told almost 100years old and original and it is a standout feature. Beautiful. The decorations are pictures of how the place and Benicia used to look a 100 years or so back. i wanted to have a beer but don't like dark beers and when I asked the server for a suggestion, she got me a couple of samples. I liked the light beer and ordered that. We also ordered a Roy Rogers and a hop water which I was told was interesting. There is plenty of street parking but this was on holiday. I can see the parking getting tough on a weekend. I thought the prices for the food were expensive, especially for Benicia. We ordered 2 slider kid meals which were $11 each, came with kettle chips and an order of cheesesteak. It was good sized and also came with chips. Service was quick and they checked in on us to make sure that were doing fine. The only blip was when we needed the check and no one was coming around and I walked up to the bar to ask for the check and the server told me to go back to my seat and she will get it for me, it was unexpectedly abrupt. It was a nice place and I would recommend the restaurant.

    Photos
    First Street Taphouse -  Mare Island Brewing Co - Inside

    Inside

    First Street Taphouse -  Mare Island Brewing Co - Creamy chocolate stout dessert pudding with peanuts alongside our Chicken & Bacon Jam Panini.

    Creamy chocolate stout dessert pudding with peanuts alongside our Chicken & Bacon Jam Panini.

    First Street Taphouse -  Mare Island Brewing Co - Crab and artichoke dip!

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    Crab and artichoke dip!

    Mare Island Brewing - Ferry Taproom - breweries - Updated September 2026

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